LaserSoft Imaging

I am using an Artixscan 1800f to scan with Silverfast Ai 6 software. Problem: The scans on 35mm transparencys have rainbow type lines running through them, almost like the scan is "smearing" in the prescan. In the final scan, I get noticeable "pinlines" (red, green and blue) that run horizontally to the image. Why is this happening? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Dear gilwingman

you mean stripes like these?

What you seeing is caused by dust in the scanner. You will need to use e.g. an air pressure spray to remove the dust.

Please note that by opening your scanner you might break your guarantee offered by a scanner manufacturer or your dealer. You might want to return your scanner instead if it's still on guarantee.

Please also note that LaserSoft Imaging cannot be hold responsible if you damage your scanner by accident when opening it for cleaning purposes.

That being said, cleaning dust from a scanner with the help of a air pressure spray can is quite a simple feat.

Kind regards
Sonny Noack
- manager tech support, LSI AG -

Thanks for the prompt reply..the lines you see in your sample ship pic are more like the prescan, only my pre-scan lines are rainbow colored.

I am getting distinct Red, Green and Blue pinlines in the final scans. I am using a tray with "glassless" scanning to cut out the moire. The scans actually look amazing otherwise, but the pinlines are a big problem.

I do air dust each slide prior to scanning. I will try the dusting the actual scanner itself. If you have any other suggestions please forward.

Thank you again for the prompt response and have a great day.

Dear gilwingman

we can delve into this issue in greater detail, if you like.
Please don't hesitate to contact us via the <a href="http://www.silverfast.com/problemreport/en.html?topic=Usage">problem report form</a>.

Kind regards
Sonny Noack
- manager tech support, LSI AG -

use a photo "puff" brush to clean anything inside the scanner. Otherwise you risk condensation, oils, and just moving the darn dust around endlessly. Of course the "glass" can be cleaned with a lint free cloth and distilled water. Beware, some "glass" is actually plastic and some other cleaners will mar it. You can also try raising the humidity in the room where you scan to help knock down airborne dust. An antistatic brush for cleaning film (sold in most photo shops - or B&W in the US) will drop the dust from any surface.

A similar problem can also be caused by a worn-out belt inside the scanner. The scan unit gets stuck, and it keeps scanning the same line over and over...If this only happens during the pre-scan, turn off "pre-scan draft" and increase the high resolution pre-scan setting as necessary (under options/special and options/general in Silverfast).